Debenhams has closed its doors after almost half-a-century on a Kent high street - leaving former staff "heartbroken".

The former retail giant has had a major presence in Canterbury for 47 years.

The empty store ahead of its closure yesterday

But at 4.30pm yesterday, the high street stalwart shut up shop for the last time.

Hundreds of shoppers headed to the store yesterday, to grab some last-minute deals - including bargain mannequins and shelving units - and get one final glimpse inside the premises.

Among them was former employee Sally Edgeway, who visited to see the empty spot where the Wallis concession she managed for nine years once stood.

"It's a very, very sad day to see Debenhams closing," she said. "I'm going to miss all the staff and I've made some good friends here as well.

"It's heartbreaking to see a shell of what it was. Before, it was buzzing. It was very busy at the weekends, and we had lots of spectacular days over Christmas periods and so forth.

"Now it's empty, like a ghost town. It's sad that it won't be Debenhams anymore.

"The only department store that's left is Fenwick, and let's hope it continues. It's quite sad when you walk up Canterbury high street and see all these shops closing."

The shop's huge site - spanning three buildings that front the High Street, Guildhall Street, Buttermarket and Mercery Lane - is to be transformed through the £25 million Guildhall Quarter development, into 12 retail units and 70 flats.

Debenhams opened its doors in 1973, launching on the site of former store Lefevres, which had traded there from 1927.

Recently, the department store had 80 members of staff, with longest-serving employee Michael Boik having worked there an impressive 43 years.

The store's doors are closed for one final time

Ahead of its closure, staff and customers shared their fond recollections of the store.

Employee Jane Reaich said: “Over 39 years ago, my first memory of Debenhams was going to have my ears pierced on Christmas Eve.

"Unfortunately I fainted and remember being lifted to the outside pavement for air. Such a memory!

"I have worked for Debenhams for over 30 years on-and-off, and will be there until the end.”

Tegan Harding wrote: “I will miss Debenhams very dearly. My dearest memory will always be shopping for my nan’s wedding outfit. Sadly she is no longer with us, but her wedding clothes from Debenhams have been made into memory bears.”

Zena Vidler, who worked at the shop until last year, added: “It’s so, so sad. I worked with amazing people and made some lovely memories.

"My thoughts are with all the remaining team closing the store at this very sad time.”

A Debenhams spokesman said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their loyalty and our colleagues for their outstanding work over the years.

“We regret that we won’t be able to keep the store open.

“This is unfortunately a necessary element of the turnaround plan and is in no way reflective of the very hard work and excellent service of our store colleagues.”

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